Record Review: Rise Against – Long Forgotten Songs: B-Sides & Covers 2000 – 2013

Rise Against Long Forgotten Songs CoverYes, yes, yes, good hell, YES! This is exactly what the world needed right now. First off, it’s “new” stuff from Rise Against. Secondly, I love it when bands do this and collect all of the songs they have put out on comps, soundtracks, etc. It’s like reconnecting with an old friend and finding out they are just as awesome as they used to be.

There really isn’t much to say about this album as it’s not a “real” release and just a collection of songs Rise Against fans have either been looking for or pirated in their quest to hear everything this band creates. There is no cohesive theme or narrative, just all the awesome non-album songs they’ve done over the years, and different versions of a few that were. As a long time Rise Against fan I couldn’t be happier that this compilation has arrived and even if you only kind-of-like Rise Against, the covers alone are worth checking it out for.

 

That said, my favorite track on this album is the cover of Face to Face’s “Blind.” which is just a phenomenal song in and of it’s own right, but hearing Tim McIlrath and Co. give it a go was a real treat. But the hits don’t stop there my fellow music lovers. Scattered amongst the bevy of original songs (like the rousing anthem “Generation Lost”) are amazing covers of classic songs from Sick if It All, Minor Threat, Nirvana, Journey, Black Flag, Springsteen, and even their version of the theme song from Weeds.

I’ll keep this short, sweet, and to the point. It’s not new stuff, but it is great stuff, so go give it a spin – right now!
Rating: 4/5